AMA calls for release of interim FIFO report

The Australian Medical Association WA is calling on a federal parliamentary committee examining fly-in fly-out operations to release an interim report now, saying the main report is taking too long.

The inquiry, launched just over a year ago, is examining the impact of FIFO operations on workers, companies and communities.

The AMA says the impacts the industry is having on towns' health networks need to be closely examined, as well as health impacts on workers.

AMA WA president Richard Choong says an interim report outlining what needs to be done to address health concerns should be released immediately.

"It's going to take so long that the mining boom may potentially be actually coming to an end," he said.

"Those towns out in the rural countries and in the North West they're struggling at the moment to manage this FIFO workforce and we need to know what the issues are and how they can be planned and appropriately funded and supported."

Dr Choong says an interim report should be released now.

"It's all about planning and preparedness, too long we have actually let it just go along and see how it all works out," he said.

"The government needs to be serious, if they are predicating our economy heavily on the mining industry, then they need to look seriously at the impact the mining industries have on our communities."

Federal MP and committee member, Barry Haase, says the committee's report is expected to be tabled in February.

"We don't respond to the wishes of various parties, we do it in a timely manner," he said.

"This is the first report on this topic and it is important that we deliberate sufficiently to make recommendations that will serve this Government and the people well into the future."

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